How Do You Rule Out Pyelonephritis? A Review By Doctors

Pyelonephritis image

Expert opinion from Shobha S Reddy

MBBS, Masters in Diabetology, General Practitioner & Diabetologist · 15 years of experience · India

Pyelonephritis is inflammation of the kidney due to bacterial infection. It begins with an infection of the urethra, bladder that then travels to the kidneys. Symptoms include fever, flank tenderness, burning urination, frequent urination. If not treated, it can lead to pus around the kidneys, sepsis, and kidney failure. Risk factors include sexual intercourse, prior UTI, Dm, structural problems of the urinary tract, and spermicide use. Less often infection occurs through the bloodstream. Diagnosis is typically based on symptoms, supported by urine analysis ( presence of nitrites and white blood cells ). CBC will show neutrophilia. A urine culture will tell the organism causing pyelonephritis and sensitivity will tell antibiotic to be used for treatment. USG of the abdomen with tell any structural abnormalities, renal stones, kidney size, and inflammation at the local site. DMSA scan is the most reliable test for the diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis.

→ Learn more about pyelonephritis: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

→ See more questions and expert answers related to pyelonephritis.

Expert opinion from Saria Mahveen Shareef

MBBS, PGDCC, Spl Cardiology · 6 years of experience · India

Pyelonephritis is a serious infection of the renal parenchyma. Appropriate investigations are required to confirm the disease. The diagnosis of pyelonephritis is usually made easily from the history and findings. Pelvic examination in women and rectal examination in men are performed. Investigations like urine dipstick, microscopy/cytometry, and urine cultures are very helpful. Other blood investigations like full blood count, urea, electrolytes, creatinine, and blood cultures are advised. The most commonly used investigations for recurrent infections and continuing hematuria or bladder lesions are CT or renal tract ultrasound and cystoscopy.

Expert opinion from Santosh Amirishetty

MBBS, Specilization-pediatrics · 5 years of experience · India

Pyelonephritis is an infection of the kidney and pelvis part of the urinary tract. It is a common infection of the urinary tract. With the help of symptoms and clinical examination, one can find the focus of infection. Blood investigations, urine analysis, blood, and urine culture helps to confirm UTI. Ultrasound abdomen and CT abdomen are diagnostic for the focus of infection.

→ Learn more about pyelonephritis: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

→ See more questions and expert answers related to pyelonephritis.

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.